Makhabane reaches a milestone with Sasol Banyana Banyana

Midfielder Mamello Makhabane reached her 50th cap for Sasol Banyana Banyana last Saturday, 07 June in the International friendly match against Botswana.

Midfielder Mamello Makhabane reached her 50th cap for Sasol Banyana Banyana last Saturday, 07 June in the International friendly match against Botswana at the Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology, in Vanderbijil Park.

The experienced midfielder from Kutloanong in the Free State, nicknamed ‘Jabu’ by her teammates because they thought her skills were similar to former Kaizer Chiefs player Jabu Pule, received her first call-up to the Senior Women’s National team in 2005.

“It has been an honour to play for my country, and reaching 50 caps was not easy, there were moments when I thought my time is over in the National team,” said Makhabane, who plays for Sasol League triple National Champions Palace Super Falcons from Gauteng.

Her journey with Banyana Banyana started on 27 May 2005 in an international friendly match against Zimbabwe at the Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology.

“It feel like I have gone full circle, I don’t know whether it was a coincidence that I played my 50th cap where it all started for me,” continued the player, who works as an Aviation Officer at the OR Tambo International Airport.

The 26-year-old’s journey in the National Team has not been an easy one. In 2012, she missed out on travelling with the team to the London Olympics due to a groin injury.

“It was very painful when I had to withdraw from the team. I had worked hard for the team to qualify for the Olympics, but I had to accept it. I managed to pull through, and it’s a blessing to be back in the team. I have to continue working hard and help the team to qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup,” she concluded.

Sasol Banyana Banyana have qualified for the 9th edition of the African Women’s Championships scheduled for 11 – 25 October in Namibia this year. The top three teams will automatically qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.